Mayor Jerry P. Weiers Hosts the 4th Big Dog Motorcycle Run to Benefit GCC Veterans Scholarships2/26/2020  Glendale, AZ, (February 24, 2020) – Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers will once again lead hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts in the Mayor’s Big Dog Run on Saturday, February 29, 2020. This years’ event is held in partnership with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce’s Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, Sanderson Ford, State Farm Stadium, Phoenix Raceway, Luke Air Force Base, Swire Coca-Cola, Westgate Entertainment District, Maricopa Ambulance, Arizona Motorcycle Towing, Shane’s Rib Shack, Arizona Organix, Dutch Bros. and Freddy’s. Proceeds from the event provides veterans scholarships through the Veteran Services Center at Glendale Community College.
“Every other year we host this ride and it only continues to get better. There’s no other motorcycle ride like this in the Valley with an opportunity to ride through these amazing venues,” said Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers. “This year we have a record-breaking number of participants with over 1000 already registered. Each time we hold this event it gets better and it’s always an honor to help our veterans.” This year’s ride begins at Glendale Municipal, (6801 N Glen Harbor Blvd.) with check-in and registration beginning at 8 a.m. At check-in, registered participants can enjoy Dutch Bros. coffee and Freddy’s breakfast bagels and the opportunity to buy an event t-shirt and patch. Kickstands go up promptly at 10 a.m. From there, riders will make their way to Phoenix Raceway (formerly ISM Raceway) where they will enter the raceway and complete a lap before heading to Luke Air Force Base. Once at Luke Air Force base, riders will enjoy a ride up and down a runway and then head to State Farm Stadium for a lap around the inside of the stadium. Finally, riders will go over to Westgate’s Fountains Plaza to park in front of Glendale’s own Gila River Arena and enjoy Shane’s Rib Shack BBQ lunch and a cold beverage provided by Swire Coca-Cola. In addition to experiencing the ride, the first one thousand participants will receive an official event challenge coin. The cost of the ride is currently $40 per person, and participants can pre-register at www.MayorsBigDogRun.com through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, February 27 or pay cash the day of the event. “All of us at Glendale Community College express our deep gratitude for the generosity of Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers and all of the participants of the Mayor’s Big Dog Run. The GCC Veteran Services Center is a vital part of our campus community and your support will benefit those who have bravely served all of us and our country,” said Teresa Leyba Ruiz, Ed.D. President of Glendale Community College. A similar ride was held in 2018 and attracted more than 300 motorcycle riders, and the 2016 ride had almost 500. The event is a “poker-style” run (not escorted), and a suggested route will be provided upon registration with planned staging points for riders. Helmets are required for any motorcyclist joining the ride through Luke AFB, and no firearms are permitted on Luke AFB. The ride is open to the public and all participants must be age 18 or older. The Military & Veterans Affairs Committee of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce provides recognition and assistance to our local military community, which is comprised of active duty personnel, reserve personnel, veterans and their respective spouses and families. The committee also helps members of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce conduct more business with Luke Air Force Base and encourages businesses to hire veterans. For additional information and to pre-register please visit www.MayorsBigDogRun.com ###
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 From left, Yolanda Facio, SBDC analyst for Maricopa Small Business Development; Glendale Community College students Julian Terrazas, Paris Allison and Jose Aguirre; and Gabriela Cojanu, business faculty. YourValley.net
Student entrepreneurs learn success at workshop Glendale Community College, 6000 W. Olive Ave., hosted an Innovation Challenge Workshop Jan. 31-Feb. 1. The GCC Business and Information Technology Department organized the two-day program, which was designed to assist students in developing their business ideas and record a 3-minute pitch promoting their concept. The event was led by Dr. Gabriela Cojanu, lead faculty member for Small Business and Entrepreneurship program at GCC. There were a total of 19 “Pitches” submitted for review and judging. A judging panel will select seven pitches to be invited to participate in the live pitch competition where three winners will be selected and awarded prizes of $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 for first, second and third places, respectively. The live pitch competition will take place at GCC Wednesday, Feb. 19. “The judges are going to have quite the challenge selecting just seven finalists from these dynamic ventures,” Dr. Cojanu stated in a news release. “The passion and enthusiasm these students showed during the two days of workshops was truly inspiring.” Each finalist will present their pitch, live, to a panel of judges at the GCC Innovation Summit 2020. The panel is comprised of individuals from the following: Small Business Development Center, Glendale Chamber of Commerce, Credit Union West, and Grand Canyon University. “Dr. Cojanu worked with many faculty and staff volunteers in facilitating the workshop and upcoming summit. A special thank you to Gabriela for all her hard work and dedication to make this workshop happen,” GCC Business and IT Department chair Rachelle Hall stated. “A big thank you goes to Heather Merrill, assistant department chair in Education; Yolanda Facio, SBDC analyst for Maricopa Small Business Development, and Brent Kleinman, GBS faculty, Business and Information Technology who also brought in two speakers to work with the group as well as Liz Cantu, communication faculty at EMCC also volunteered as a mentor.” The upcoming GCC Innovation Summit 2020 goes 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 and includes an award presentation for the student finalists in the pitch competition. Register at gccaz.edu/innovation-summit. Registration is free. Everyone is invited.  The Board of Directors is the policy body of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. Its members represent a cross-section of the business and professional leadership in the community. It has always been considered an honor to serve on the Board. Genuine and unselfish interest in the Chamber and its objective is the first requirement for the Board members. The Board performs the legislative function for the organization. That is, it makes policy decisions for the Chamber.
The Glendale Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the following individuals have been newly elected to the Board of Directors:
###  Glendale, AZ, January 29, 2020 — Owning and managing a business can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if you don’t have all of the proper tools. By tools, we don’t mean wrenches, hammers or drills; we are referring to the proper business tools that are necessary for running a profitable and efficient business.
The Glendale Chamber of Commerce and Glendale Community College have teamed up to provide business owners and managers with the tools and knowledge they need to more effectively lead their organizations. The program is called Make Success Happen - Business Seminars and it starts on February 13, 2020 with a discussion on Cybersecurity and how you can protect your business from vicious malware and cyber attacks. The seminars will be held once a month and will cover important business topics such as; business finance, human resources, social media advertising, hiring and recruiting, small business marketing and customer relationships to name a few. Each seminar will be led by a member of the Glendale Community College faculty; each of who have advanced degrees as well as real-world experience. The seminars will cover situations and challenges that you face on a daily basis. Because the GCC faculty have worked in the business community, they are able to explain how standard academic principles can be applied to issues you constantly deal with. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this program to our members” stated Robert Heidt, President and CEO of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. “Our charter is to help our members grow their organizations and to be as successful as possible. This program fits in with our goal perfectly.” He added, “We were thrilled when GCC approached us with the idea because they have such a depth of knowledge that is invaluable to our members. The seminars are held at Glendale Community College and the cost is free for members of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. They are asking that attendees consider a $10 donation that will help fund the GCC Food Pantry, a service that supports approximately 1,000 hungry students every week. “GCC is so proud to be able share our knowledge and resources with the members of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. In addition to helping students achieve their academic goals; we want GCC to be a resource for the local business community. We are here to serve and this program is great example of how we continually work to fulfill our mission. — Teresa Leyba-Ruiz, Ed.D. President of Glendale Community College The Make Success Happen - Business Seminar Series starts on February 13, 2020. The seminar will go from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and will be held at the Glendale Community College campus in the Student Union, room 104. Glendale Community College is located at 6000 West Olive. ### Media Contact: John Heckenlaible , 623-845-3809, john.heckenlaible@gccaz.edu About Glendale Chamber of Commerce The Glendale Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most influential business organizations in the West Valley. The Glendale Chamber is a private, not-for-profit, membership-driven organization comprised of over 1,300 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Its mission is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effective advocacy for its members and the business community. The Glendale Chamber builds its program of work around the three core principles: business connection, community impact and economic prosperity. It also focuses on positively impacting economic development, education and talent development, public policy, transportation and infrastructure, technology, as well as business attraction, retention, and expansion. About Glendale Community College Glendale Community College provides 41 Associates degrees, 61 certificate programs, and a range of non-degree offerings, all available to students in traditional, online and hybrid formats. Founded in 1965 to serve the northwestern part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, the college is part of the Maricopa County Community Colleges District, has two campuses and enrolls approximately 26,000 students annually, and employs approximately 1,000 resident faculty, staff, and administrators with an operational budget of $83 million. Since 1965, Glendale Community College has educated over 500,000 students at two locations in the northwest valley: 6000 West Olive Avenue, Glendale, AZ and 5727 W. Happy Valley Rd. Phoenix, AZ.  WHEN:
Thursday, January 30th, 2020 10:00 AM WHERE: Arizona State Capitol House Lawn 1700 West Washington Street Phoenix, Arizona 85007 WHAT: A group of bipartisan legislators and community leaders will announce the introduction of SB1321, a bipartisan bill to extend Arizona’s current non-discrimination protections to gay and transgender Arizonans in employment, housing and public accommodations. This is the third consecutive year a LGBTQ inclusive non-discrimination bill has had bipartisan support at the Arizona Legislature. Currently, only five municipalities have ordinances that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and Arizona has no statewide laws that protect gay and transgender individuals from being fired, denied housing or refused service. This limits Arizona’s ability to attract and retain top talent and business, hurts its national and global image, and damages overall economic sustainability, which is why an update is strongly supported by the business community. More than 3,200 businesses in Arizona have already voiced their support for LGBTQ inclusive non-discrimination by signing the UNITY Pledge. Further, 90% of Arizona’s top 50 employers include sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination policies. Further, a recent statewide poll showed support for inclusive non-discrimination at over 70% in the areas of employment, housing and public services among likely general election voters. Faith leaders are also supporting the measure, "My faith teaches us that we are all God's children, and that we should treat others the way we want to be treated. The legislation will simply update Arizona's existing laws to ensure that our LGBTQ citizens are all treated equally and fairly," Reverend Troy Mendez, Dean of Trinity Cathedral added.  YourValley.net
Historic Downtown Glendale is celebrating the start of the Lunar Year with an inaugural Full Moon Lantern Fest. This free event takes place 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 in Historic Downtown Glendale & Catlin Court, 7141 N. 59 Ave. The event brings in the Year of the Rat during the first cycle of the Moon for 2020. This family-friendly, cultural themed event showcases Lion Dancers, Daiko Drummers and Martial Arts demonstrations. Activities also include Asian-inspired fashion shows and an interactive Moon Meditation Yoga. “Join us in Historic Downtown Glendale to start off the Lunar Year and celebrate community and goodwill,” Hsiao Hsien Chu, event founder and Evergreen Center of Oriental Medicine owner said. In addition, a free event-themed art activity will be presented by the WHAM Art Association. The art activity is funded by the City of Glendale through the Centerline District Arts & Cultural Initiative. Visit wham-art.org. or glendaleaz.com/arts. Many of the locally owned shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Glendale and Catlin Court will feature make and take activities, interactive demonstrations, store promotions and special sales throughout the day. In addition, shops will be decorated with colorful lantern streamers and will distribute traditional red envelopes with new year blessings, special offers and an ancient coin. Event attendees will have the opportunity to participate in silent auctions and other fundraising activities including purchasing limited edition event T-shirts. Proceeds from the fundraising activities will benefit Acupuncturists without Borders. Acupuncturists without Borders mission is to provide immediate relief and recovery acupuncture services to global communities that are in crisis from disaster or human conflict. The Full Moon Lantern Fest is sponsored by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, Evergreen Center of Oriental Medicine, Glendale Ambassadors, City of Glendale Councilmember Bart Turner, Glendale Chamber of Commerce and Visit Glendale. Check out VisitDowntownGlendale.com.  YourValley.net
Glendale will host a Community Blood Drive Wednesday, Jan. 15 in the Glendale Civic Center Annex, 5750 W. Glenn Drive, in two waves 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 3:30-7:30 p.m. Vitalant, formerly known as United Blood Services, along with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, Glendale’s Employee Wellness Committee and AZ Catering are supporting the mayor’s community event to help build up the blood bank reserves when they typically see the highest need and lowest donations. Vitalant issued a press release Jan. 6 announcing a nationwide critical shortage and urged donors to help those in need now. “Last year we did a great job of meeting the need, by holding the largest blood drive ever in Glendale,” Mayor Jerry P. Weiers stated, “and I hope to continue that tradition this year with more donations, especially since we found out yesterday there is an even greater need.” Blood donations help the national blood supply provide direly needed blood components to patients throughout the country. Every day in the United States, patients throughout emergency care facilities need approximately 35,000 blood products per week and in Arizona, local patients need at least 4,200 blood products. “Your donation really can make a difference in saving lives,” Mayor Weiers stated. The blood drive participation is open to anyone over 16 (minors must provide guardian signed permission form) and registrations are recommended. Participants can register online at bloodhero.com with the Sponsor Code of “Weiers.” Registration allows participants to complete some of the necessary forms prior to their scheduled appointment as well as reduce wait time. Contact Katrina Eaton at 602-770-4675 or by email at keaton@vitalant.org.  YourValley.net
The Glendale Chamber of Commerce put the spotlight on individuals who have given their effort and time to the chamber and community as well as making a significant difference towards success. During the Nov. 27 Member Appreciation Event, individuals recognized included: Jennifer Brugger, of la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe, Brendan Gearty, of Gordon Graphics Inc., Maria Brunner, of the Board, Angelo Rossetti, of FCP Coaching and Marketing, Yvonne Knaack, of Kiwanis Club of Glendale, Jean Higginbotham, of Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Dr. Lily DeBlieux, of Pendergast Elementary School District.  Home for Heroes helps firefighters, EMS workers, law enforcement, military members (active, reserve and veterans), healthcare professionals and teachers buy and sell homes. The group recently joined the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. [Submitted photo] YourValley.net
The Glendale Chamber of Commerce welcomes the following new members: Pargon Business Equipment, LLC, Steve Wood Voice & Video, West Valley Star, and Homes for Heroes. Pargon Business Equipment, LLC provides technology products and services, Steve Wood is a radio, commercial and film voiceover talent, West Valley Star is a magazine by the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Home for Heroes helps firefighters, EMS workers, law enforcement, military members (active, reserve and veterans), healthcare professionals and teachers buy and sell homes. Visitglendaleazchamber.org.  Members of the Marine Corps League’s Old Breed Detachment No 767 carry the American, Arizona and POW/MIA flags to be raised during the city’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Glendale Veterans Memorial. Photos by Glendale Star staff GlendaleStar.com Residents packed the auditorium of Glendale’s Main Library early Nov. 11 to celebrate the city’s 17th-annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony. Presented by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, Mayor Jerry Weiers and the city of Glendale, the event drew standing room only and featured speakers from three service branches, flag raisings and retirements, and a missing-man flyover. Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Turney introduced Mayor Weiers and keynote speakers Chief Master Sergeant Ronald Thompson, 56th Fighter Wing Command Chief, Luke Air Force Base as well as U.S. Navy Commander Mark Moran and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel David Clukey. Rep. Debbie Lesko was also in attendance and addressed District 8 constituents. “Today we shine the spotlight on family and our servicemembers,” Weiers said. “This ceremony allows the community to come together and honor those who have served our country.” “We stand before you on the shoulders of giants,” said Thompson. “Eighty percent of our servicemen and women come from the families of veterans,” Thompson estimated. “Family has the toughest job of all,” said Clukey. “Each of us has heard the call of duty and answered it,” Clukey said. “Today we honor every man and woman who ever wore the uniform,” added Moran. “We must remain committed to honoring service,” urged Moran. Following the keynote addresses, the ceremony continued outside the auditorium to the Glendale Veterans Memorial with a special flag-raising ceremony by the Marine Corps League’s Old Breed Detachment No. 767. A POW/MIA and Arizona state flag were raised beside and below the American flag in the center of the city’s bronze memorial. While the flag-raising feature is the focus of the annual event, this year the chamber unveiled its mobile U.S. flag retirement incinerator specifically designed to properly lay the American flag to rest. Civil Air Patrol Cadets readied and folded tattered flags and placed them atop of the preloaded incinerator. Mayor Weiers and Wayne Cole lit the air infused unit using flares and within minutes it reached more than 700 degrees. Cole is an active member of the chamber and its Military & Veterans Affairs Committee. He also designed, built and donated the incinerator to the chamber. The project took nearly two years to complete and will be used routinely to properly dispose of flags gathered from throughout the city. As smoke began to rise from the incinerator’s chimney, a small group of aircraft was spotted in the distance. With a smoke-on, low-level flyover, vintage aircraft from the Falcon Warbirds Foundation concluded the celebration departing in the distance in the missing man formation. “Veterans Day is an opportunity to realize how vital our freedom is to us and to thank all of the dedicated people who sacrificed so much for us to enjoy living in a free country,” stated Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux, Glendale Chamber of Commerce Chair. “The Glendale Chamber gives honor to those who served and help us realize how important it is for us to commemorate this holiday each year.” For more information about the Glendale Chamber of Commerce or its Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, call Aubrie Herman, Program & Events Manager, 623-937-4754 or email aherman@glendaleazchamber.org. |
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